Prevention on prescription for people with Lynch syndrome

Over the past few decades, evidence has been mounting that aspirin, tablets most of us have stashed in our medicine cabinets, could help prevent bowel cancer in some people at high risk. But like most medicines, aspirin has side effects. Until now, we haven’t known what dose will strike the right balance between the potential benefits of preventing cancer and the risk of side effects.

Now, thanks to the SU2C-funded CaPP3 trial, we have an answer. The trial’s results reveal that a low dose (75 to 100mg) of aspirin each day can halve the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic condition that makes bowel cancer much more likely.

This means people with Lynch syndrome could soon be offered low-dose aspirin on prescription to help prevent bowel cancer and protect them from the physical and mental impacts of the disease.

Researcher:

Professor Sir John Burn

Location:

Newcastle